Unless you can fabricate the cross member /box the chassis I'd buy a complete kit for mounting a V8, OR just go ahead and do the "clip". You can get a front clip from Camaro or a few others that will have the mounts for the engine, disc brakes and probably the steering box with it. Most clips can be bought for around $200. That will give you a 5 lug pattern. For the rear a Camaro, Olds, Malibu and many others will give you a nice ratio like 2:73.
Unless your young, or love changing gears I'd find me a 700R4 (4L60E) which has a good low gear and overdrive.
(I've tortured mine many times and it has held up just fine.)
You can spend a pile of money doing the job "piece meal". Buying disc brake kits, cross member kits, steering stuff, and hordes of other items. Doing the clip will save you much money in the long run and even less head aches. You are wise to think this thru and as my daughter says.....do the math and think of the headaches. Keep us posted. What your looking for has been done many times. You may also want to check out the HIPO forum or ask "modification" questions there.
FWIW....back in 95-2000 building my 37 I got all the parts for a mustang II in a junk yard, fabricated the cross member stuff, used the small Mustang rotors. I used the rack and pinion, and M/C and booster, from the junk yard as cores for new ones. NOW I wish I had used the "clip" (got one standing at the end of my shop) and saved my self a lot of headaches, money and a lot of time. I also started out with a 350 tranny which was a mistake. I corrected that later with a 700R4. I'm running a "modified" 350 engine.
Hope this helps get you on the right path.
EDIT:.... I'm running my original rear springs with a 79/80 Malibu rear end. I have no problem with the way it rides or drives.
Last edited by Achipmunk; 01/11/2018 5:29 PM.
